About music therapy

Music therapy uses sound and music as a therapeutic medium to bring about change.

Music therapists are trained musicians and qualified therapists who assess and treat adults and children with sensory, physical and learning disability, mental health problems, emotional and behavioural disturbances and neurological problems. To work in the UK they have to be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and adhere to strict standards and ethical principles.

The Music Therapy Charity was formed in 1969 to promote and support the activities of music therapists; its main funding is to music therapy research and bursaries for music therapists in training. It is the only funding body in the UK specifically supporting high quality research into what treatment outcomes can be expected with a course of music therapy.

Music is a means of communicating between individuals.
As a therapeutic measure music can:

be effective in reducing tension and anxiety, and challenging behaviour.

increase self awareness, the awareness of others, and the ability to manage feelings and stress.

encourage and promotes the development of communication and social skills, self expression, confidence and self esteem.

help to meet the social, emotional, behavioural and cognitive needs of vulnerable people of all ages, contributing to the quality of life and enabling them to achieve their full potential.

On our site you can help us to fund research and bring the benefits of music therapy to more vulnerable people. Find out more about who can benefit from the services of a music therapist, where you can find a therapist and if you are a musician looking for a really rewarding career, how to become a music therapist.